WORK on building a slip road designed to improve an A66 accident blackspot, will start in February.

Villagers in Sadberge, near Darlington, fought long and hard to prevent the slip road, which will link the A66 to Middleton Lane, from going ahead.

However it was given the go-ahead by the Government in August, following a public inquiry.

Residents say the new road will increase the amount of traffic going through Sadberge at peak hours.

Its aim is to prevent motorists from turning right and crossing the A66 carriageway, a dangerous manoeuvre which led to 13 accidents, including one death, between 1994 and 1998.

The Highways Agency says it has now scheduled the improvement works for next February, which will include associated traffic calming measures.

The scheme is due to be discussed at a meeting of Darlington Borough Council's transport forum tomorrow.